The Football Association has sought observations from Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, regarding his comments about referee Anthony Taylor before Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Taylor’s appointment to take charge of City’s 3-1 win over Manchester United was met with criticism last week because he hails from Wythenshawe in south Manchester, some six miles from Old Trafford.
Guardiola steered clear of questioning Taylor’s appointment when the matter was raised at his pre-match press conference on Friday but called on the official, who is a supporter of non-league Altrincham, to “make good decisions for both sides”.
“He is going to try to do the best job like we try to as managers and football players. Mr Taylor is going to try to have a good game.
“The important thing is to focus on our game and, of course, knowing which opponent we are going to face and that is all. Hopefully he can make good decisions for both sides and it will a good game. All England and all Europe is going to watch us. That is the most important pleasure.”
Though Guardiola did not criticise Taylor’s appointment, managers are prohibited from publicly discussing referees before matches in case their comments could influence their decisions.
In 2016, Jose Mourinho was charged with misconduct after speaking about Taylor’s appointment to a meeting between United and Liverpool.
Guardiola has until 6.00pm on Thursday to respond to the governing body’s request.